Charging Roller Movable Bearing for Drum Contact Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses using contact charging-type charging devices face challenges in maintaining consistent contact between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, leading to potential uneven charge distribution due to vibrations, which can result in reduced image quality and increased ozone emission.
Innovation Solution
An image carrying member unit is designed with a charging member, supported by a pair of first bearing members and a biasing member, allowing the charging member to be movable and maintained in close contact with the image carrying member, thereby reducing vibrations and ensuring consistent electrostatic charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging roller is brought into contact with the surface of a photosensitive drum using a bearing member pressed by a biasing member, then smooth rotation and consistent contact are achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The charging roller is designed with a movable bearing member that can dynamically adjust its position in the radial direction relative to the photosensitive drum. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain optimal contact under varying conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by enabling adaptive contact rather than fixed rigid contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing member is segmented into multiple components including a movable support structure that can independently adjust the charging roller's position. This segmentation allows for precise control of contact pressure and position, improving contact consistency while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If a charging roller is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but uneven charge distribution occurs due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member is designed to be movable in the radial direction, allowing it to dynamically compensate for vibrations and maintain consistent contact between the charging roller and photosensitive drum. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures uniform charge distribution without requiring complex rigid fixation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bearing member automatically adjusts its position in response to vibrations and contact variations, effectively self-regulating the contact pressure and position. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems while maintaining charge uniformity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively suppresses uneven charge distribution and maintains stable contact between the charging member and the image carrying member, enhancing image quality and reducing ozone emission.
Implementation Method 1
The charging member is arranged in contact with or close to the circumferential surface of the image carrying member, and electrostatically charges the image carrying member
Data Source
AI summary
An image carrying member unit has an image carrying member, a charging member, a pair of first bearing members, a biasing member, and a supporting frame. The image carrying member is rotatable, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on it. The charging member is arranged in contact or close to the image carrying member, and electrostatically charges the image carrying member. The first bearing members support the charging member movably in directions to and away from the image carrying member. The biasing member biases the charging member toward the image carrying member. The supporting frame supports the image carrying member and the first bearing members. The first bearing members each have a fulcrum rotatably supported on the supporting frame, an arm extending radially from the fulcrum, and a bearing portion formed at a tip end of the arm and supporting axially either end of the charging member.